Shuko (手鉤) – Kakushi Buki (隠し武器) – Ninki (忍器)

he Shuko (手鉤) falls under the category of kakushi buki (隠し武器, hidden weapons) and is only found, historically, within the densho of the Togaure-ryu (戸隠流) school of Ninpo Taijutsu (忍法体術).

Shuko translates out as: “hand hook”, but more commonly referred to as the “climbing claw”. The Shuko is a metal band around the palm of the hand with four metal spikes projecting from the palm. This particular ninki (忍器) was said to have its original use in agricultural and farming, as a way to help pick up hay and straw.

The shuko is one of the three secrets found in Togakure-ryu Sanpo Hiden (戸隠流三法秘伝) and was used as a specific tool to aid in climbing and close quarter combative situations.